https://www.wbtv.com • 24th July 2024

Beatty’s Ford boating area closes for construction of public beach

DENVER, N.C. (WBTV) - The boating access area at Beatty’s Ford Park is undergoing construction and will be closed to the public Wednesday, July 24.Lincoln County, in partnership with Duke Energy, is constructing a public swim beach area at the end of Unity Church Road in Denver. In addition to the public swim beach, there will be an accessible fishing pier, a concession building with bathrooms, paved parking and a looped drive.The site will reopen once it is safe for the public’s use. When it re...

https://www.wbtv.com • 17th July 2024

‘Urgently need help’: Charlotte Animal Shelter reaches capacity for 3rd consecutive week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The CMPD Animal Care & Control shelter is seeking help in emptying the shelter.According to a Tuesday post, the animal shelter reached full capacity for the third consecutive week. The shelter took in an estimated 270 animals in the past week alone.“We urgently need the community’s help,” the shelter wrote.In a release posted about a week ago, the shelter described the situation as critical when it hit capacity for the second time.“The continuous influx of animals has pu...

https://www.wbtv.com • 10th July 2024

Copa America watch parties in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The final stretch of the Copa America soccer tournament is upon us. With two of the three remaining matches being held in Charlotte, fans from all over are flooding the Queen City to root for their favorite teams.As of Wednesday afternoon, ticket to watch the matches at Bank of America Stadium were priced at over $200 for Wednesday’s semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia and are over $100 for Saturday’s third place match between Canada and the losing team, according to...

https://www.wbtv.com • 9th July 2024

‘We hope [it’s] not the end’: Harper’s Restaurant announces Charlotte closure

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A long-time restaurant in SouthPark is closing its doors after decades of service.Harper’s Restaurant announced Tuesday that it will close its SouthPark location after over 30 years on July 20.“We wish we could say this is our decision, but it’s not,” Harper’s said. “Though we had hoped and wanted to stay for at least another few years, the property owners have something else they would like to put on our plot of land, leaving us without a choice.”According to our news p...

https://www.wbtv.com • 26th June 2024

Megan Thee Stallion announces show in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - In case you missed her show in Raleigh, Megan Thee Stallion is giving fans another chance to see her in North Carolina.Megan Thee Stallion announced on Wednesday that she is coming to Charlotte July 3 as part of her Hot Girl Summer Tour.The show will be at the PNC Music Pavilion. Tickets will go on sale today at noon.Special guest GloRilla will also be at the show.She also announced a new show for Atlanta on July 2. The new tour dates were announced days before her new a...

https://www.wbtv.com • 25th June 2024

Post Malone returns to the Queen City this fall

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Post Malone is returning to the Carolinas in October.Following his “If Ya’ll Weren’t Here, I’d be Crying” tour last year, Post Malone is touring across the U.S. with 21 shows with his recently announced F-1 Trillion Tour.Post Malone will perform in Charlotte on Oct. 7 at the PNC Music Pavilion. Additional shows in the Carolinas include Oct. 5 at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh and Oct. 9 at the Credit One Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina.The upcoming...

https://www.wbtv.com • 18th June 2024

Deputies: 2 arrested after breaking into, stealing from Burke Co. high school

CONNELLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WBTV) - Two people were arrested after allegedly breaking in and stealing multiple items from East Burke High School.According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, several items, including tools, were reported stolen from the agriculture department on June 6.After receiving a citizen tip, investigators spotted items consistent with those reported stolen in a driveway on East Burke Boulevard in Connelly Springs. Detectives attempted to contact the homeowners and noticed m...

The Appalachian • 8th May 2025

‘Ambitious and optimistic’: Downtown Boone undergoes renovations, rebranding

Two projects, the Howard Street Revitalization project and the downtown Boone rebranding project, aim to upgrade downtown Boone for locals and tourists alike.
The Boone rebranding project started April 15 with an in-depth examination of downtown Boone and potential brand strategies, according to the Branding Boone, NC website.
“What it will look like is up to you, the public!” Laney Wise, the grants coordinator/ communications for downtown Boone, wrote in an email.
The rebranding conversation be...

The Appalachian • 30th April 2025

Graduates face uncertainty in career outlooks per Trump administration

Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, executive orders and policy changes have affected numerous job sectors. From hiring freezes and budget cuts to limitations, as the class of 2025 prepares to enter the workforce, those with plans to enter impacted fields are now faced with uncertainty.
The Appalachian spoke with May graduates who are either planning to enter a now changing field or once had plans in doing so.
 
Education
According to U.S. News and World Report, education is the second...

The Appalachian • 10th April 2025

Talia Espresso of Boone permanently closes

Western North Carolina coffee shop Talia Espresso has permanently closed its Boone location, with its last day of operation being Tuesday. 
The shop, which opened in 2020 and is located at 444 W. King St., announced its closure on social media April 2.
The owners of Talia Espresso did not respond to comment by time of publication regarding the reason behind the closing. 
Cadell Perry is a barista at Talia Espresso Boone and a senior biology major. He said after Hurricane Helene, business was not...

The Appalachian • 4th February 2025

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet to open in Boone

An Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will be taking the former space of Big Lots located in the New Market Center.
According to a press release from Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc., the company acquired the leases of former Big Lots spaces around the country that were closed due to bankruptcy through a bid.
“These stores line up very well with Ollie’s in terms of size of the stores, lease terms, customer demographics, and are located in communities in our existing trade areas,” Eric van der Valk, pre...

The Appalachian • 6th November 2024

Donald Trump projected to win presidency for 2nd time

Republican and former president Donald Trump is projected to beat Democrat Kamala Harris to become the 47th president of the United States, according to the Associated Press. 
This will be Trump’s second time serving as president, as he served from 2016-20. Trump lost to President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, marking the 10th time in history an active president did not win an initial re-election. 
He and JD Vance as vice president are projected to win the presidency with 277 elec...

The Appalachian • 5th November 2024

BREAKING: 4 hour wait time to vote at App State

At 4 p.m. Election Day, the line from the Plemmons Student Union polling location stretched all the way to the student union spiral staircase, resulting in a four-hour wait time to vote.
A poll worker told those waiting in line the time frame, resulting in some leaving the line to find another polling location to vote.
“I kind of have other stuff on my plans,” said Cylen Genwright, a sophomore psychology major waiting in line. “But I’m probably still going to go to the courthouse and see how lon...

The Appalachian • 29th September 2024

Watauga County Hurricane Helene relief resources, ways to help

Last updated Oct. 2 at 9:30 p.m.
Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in North Carolina Thursday night as a Category 4 storm, its impact has been felt across the Southeast, especially in western North Carolina.
Boone and surrounding areas were impacted by heavy rains, winds and flooding.
Many roads have been affected by the flooding and have been closed off. Additionally, many homes, vehicles and businesses have been partially or completely damaged due to the hurricane, resulting in students and...

The Appalachian • 25th August 2024

‘What an honor to be here’: App State announces new women’s golf head coach

Chan Metts was announced as the new head coach for women’s golf at App State on Thursday.
Before coming to App State, he served as the head coach for both women’s and men’s golf at Charleston Southern. As head coach of the women’s team at Charleston Southern, he led them to a NCAA Regional berth and a 2024 conference title, making it the team’s first appearance in 14 years.
“Winning a conference championship is never easy, which shows he is more than capable of bringing the program to new levels...

The Appalachian • 19th April 2024

BREAKING: App State appoints interim chancellor

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Heather Norris has been appointed interim chancellor, effective immediately.
The announcement was made in an email sent out to the university Friday and comes after Former Chancellor Sheri Everts announced her resignation April 15 after serving in the role for a decade.
Norris was appointed by University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans.
​​ “Dr. Norris is an experienced and talented leader who is well regarded in the App State community,” Hans s...

The Appalachian • 11th April 2024

BREAKING: Stabbing occurs at Peacock Hall

A student was injured in a stabbing that occurred Thursday at Peacock Hall, according to an email sent out by App State.

App State student Emmet Cardwell was arrested and charged with the felony crime of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury.

This is the timeline of events, with the most recent updates being at the top.
 
April 12 UPDATE:
According to court documents The Appalachian reviewed, 20-year-old Emmet Cardwell allegedly us...

The Appalachian • 3rd April 2024

Pride Week renamed to Spring Fest, results in frustration

Every year, the Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Center hosts a queer-themed programming week dedicated to celebrating the queer community on campus. In the past, the week was known as Pride Week, but this year the name for the week has been changed to Spring Fest. 
The Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Center’s 2024 Spring Fest, which is held April 1-6 this year, has been disapproved by community members and students for the programming’s name.
Megan Hayes, chief communications officer for App State, wrote in a...

The Appalachian • 30th April 2023

Shots fired at sorority formal leaves 2 injured

A shooting occurred during a sorority event Saturday night.

According to a press release sent by Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman, a fight broke out between two people during the event, resulting in gunfire. Two people were shot.

Sorority Alpha Omicron Pi commented on the incident, which occurred during their formal.

“Last night, an altercation between two guests at our formal ended in violence,” the sorority wrote in an Instagram post Sunday.

A...

The Appalachian • 2nd March 2023

Mice found in App State dining hall

Editor’s note: This story contains the inclusion of anonymous sources who were granted anonymity in compliance with SPJ Code of Ethics.

This semester, there have been sightings of mice in Roess Dining Hall.

A photo of a mouse found inside the dining hall was posted to an Instagram account called @appstatefoodrates Feb. 5. The account is where people can anonymously send photos of food from the campus dining halls and write reviews on.

The person who took the picture is an employee at Roess Di...

The Appalachian • 1st February 2023

New university climate survey offers student input, prizes

The university will launch its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Climate Survey Thursday, according to an email sent out by Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parson.

In the email sent out Wednesday, Parson wrote the purpose of the survey is to “hear from every Mountaineer.”

“App State’s DEI Climate Survey is a valuable tool that helps us better understand the perceptions of employees and students regarding their experiences at App State,” Parson wrote.

Students and faculty who complete the su...

The Appalachian • 12th January 2023

Burst pipes in Finmore apartments causes flood, damage

Two roommates were in their hometowns for the holidays when they each received a call from a neighbor. It was a call no one wants to hear: their apartment had flooded.

On the night of Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, pipes burst at The Finmore, an off-campus student housing apartment complex, causing some residents’ apartments to flood.

In a Dec. 25 email sent by The Finmore to residents, tenants were advised to check on their units as soon as possible for water damage. However, the email did...

The Appalachian • 16th November 2022

Plans of hotel to replace Cafe Portofino

The owners of Portofino property plan to tear it down to build a boutique style hotel. Until then, Cafe Portofino will remain boarded up as life progresses past it.

The property owner of Cafe Portofino proposed a new building with a new purpose to replace the restaurant, according to a meeting agenda for the Boone Historic Preservation Commission.

The proposed construction for a replacement building follows its planned demolition.

Located in the same spot as Cafe Portofino’s building at 970 R...

The Appalachian • 11th October 2022

‘It’s not just an issue over there’: Candlelight vigil honors lives of Iranian women

App State faculty hosted a candlelight vigil Monday in honor of the lives of Iranian women lost in light of recent “unrest” in Iran.

Rahman Tashakkori, a computer science professor, said he and other faculty decided to come together and hold the vigil after the many demonstrations in Iran.

“They asked for people to support,” Tashakkori said.

Following the death last month of Mahsa Amini, an I...

The Appalachian • 20th September 2022

Brown/Barreto SGA presidency under investigation by SGA Senate

App State’s SGA Senate voted unanimously in their meeting Sept. 6 to investigate the 2022-23 academic year presidential elect Quson Brown and his vice president Alejandro Barreto.

The Senate held the meeting to discuss the actions of and concerns about the duo and their impacts on SGA and the student body. After discussion, the Senate voted by ballot whether or not the Student Senate Committee of Rules should conduct a formal investigation.

“The student body president and vice president have a...

The Appalachian • 13th September 2022

Art sculpture, Wey Hall vandalized after game days

App State football fans took their excitement to a physical level by vandalizing an art installation on campus Saturday following the Texas A&M win.

After Saturday’s game, fans rushed to King Street, celebrating App State’s victory against a top 10 team. Following the celebration, the crowd moved to the football stadium and eventually to the Du...

The Appalachian • 24th August 2022

Mt. Mitchell Fitness Center closed until further notice

The Mount Mitchell Fitness Center will be closed until further notice “due to unforeseen circumstances,” according to an email sent Tuesday by University Recreation.

The fitness center is located on the third floor of Plemmons Student Union.

The gym was open to students, faculty and staff, and offered a space for aerobic classes to take place, according to the Student Recreation Center’s website, such as:

The facility also offered equipment for aerobic exercise, cardio, weight and resistance...

The Appalachian • 24th May 2022

Everts names new vice chancellor of finance and operations

Chancellor Sheri Everts named Dan Layzell vice chancellor of finance and operations, according to an email from Everts Tuesday.

According to the email, Layzell’s role is effective Aug. 15.

“He brings a career of nearly three decades in higher education and a decade of policy and legislative experience to this role, as well as classroom experience as teaching faculty,” Everts wrote.

Layzell will be new to App State. According to the email, he currently serves as vice president, chief operating...

The Appalachian • 17th May 2022

BREAKING: Everts appoints Chief Diversity Officer

Jamie Parson has been appointed as Chief Diversity Officer, according to an email from Chancellor Sheri Everts Tuesday.

According to the email, the decision to appoint Parson came following a national search for the position. The email also said Parson’s role is “effective immediately.”

Parson has served as the interim Chief Diversity Officer for a year following the retirement of former Chief Diversity Officer Willie Fleming.

“Jamie came into the interim role well known for her leadership wi...

The Appalachian • 12th May 2022

App State picks new Quality Enhancement Plan for 2024-2029

App State’s QEP Steering Committee pushes to inform students on climate literacy and response leadership, a movement caused by students’ worry of the future in the current deteriorating climate. Pictured is Boone Fork Trail, on April 20, 2022.

App State’s QEP Steering Committee has chosen a new Quality Enhancement Plan for initiation in Fall 2024 and will carry out through 2029.

The selected topic for the QEP is “Climate Literacy and Response-Ability: Cultivating Resilient and Just Communities...

The Appalachian • 3rd May 2022

Boone location becomes first fully unionized Starbucks in NC

The Council of the Boone Starbucks stand in victory stances holding up their aprons April 30, 2022.

The Boone Starbucks, located on Pride Drive and Blowing Rock Road, became the first legally unionized Starbucks location across North Carolina and South Carolina Saturday.

The Starbucks location held its union election where employees vote whether or not they want to unionize Saturday. According to a press release the employees posted on their personal Twitter, the results of the election were 3...